The business aviation world is in mourning after the passing of Athar Husain Khan. The secretary-general of the European Business Aviation Association (EBAA) died unexpectedly on March 26 at the age of 60.
A private pilot and lawyer with deep roots in aviation, with more than 30 years in the industry, he advocated for a safer, more sustainable future.
EBAA Chairman Juergen Wiese said the loss brings shock, complete disbelief, deep sadness and heavy hearts to those in the organization.
“Athar always put the human element first, and steered the industry in the right direction during challenging times,” he said in a statement.
Khan spent the previous 25 years before leading the EBAA as a political negotiator for aviation, as well as a lawyer, advocacy specialist and CEO in various aviation organizations and companies, in both public and private sectors. Just before he joined EBAA, he was an agreements and international relations consultant for the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority in Doha.
He previously led the Association of European Airlines (AEA), working closely with EBAA to maximize the effect of aviation industry representation at EU institutional levels. Kahn also held senior positions at KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and the Netherlands Ministry of Transport and Ministry of Education and Science.
“Athar was a trusted partner, respected leader and true aviation professional,” NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen said. “He will be deeply missed. Our hearts are with his wife Nynke La Porte, his son Yskandar Afsar Husain Khan and the entire EBAA family.”
Khan was named secretary-general of EBAA in July 2018, and worked closely with NBAA on many issues and events, including the European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE), co-hosted by both organizations.
He received his Master of Law at the University of Leiden in the Netherlands and studied post-graduate courses in law, communications, management, finance, natural leadership and coaching.
‟Athar was a respected leader and advocate for the European business aviation industry with a passion to share its economic and societal contributions and promote its innovation and constant commitment to reduce its environmental footprint,” Kurt Edwards, Director General of the International Business Aviation Council. “His work and contributions to IBAC’s Governing Board as the EBAA leader were always insightful and supportive. All of us at IBAC send heartfelt sympathies to Athar’s family, friends, and colleagues. He will be deeply missed by many.”
Khan was raised in a bilingual family and spent his early years in the Middle East, according to his obituary, showing interest throughout his life in eastern and western culture, religion and politics. A husband and father, he enjoyed cricket, golf, cycling, running and squash, in which he represented his country at the international level in squash. He also ran the New York City Marathon on three different occasions
He is survived by his wife and son.
The EBAA has opened a memorial page for those who wish to share their memories or express condolences. You can view it here.
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